A couple at Iowa State turns that old maxim on its ear. For Abby and
Brandon Simpson, the saying should be, "Horses brought us together."

Brandon and Abby Simpson

The Simpsons met through their love of horses and harness racing. In
2002, the woman from Maurice and the man from Fairfield, Ill., had come to
Prairie Meadows race track in Des Moines to compete.

But when they first saw each other, it was, well, animal magnetism right
out of the starting gate.

"We were both racing here, and I didn't know who he was," said Abby. "I
wondered 'Who is the new guy?'"

Brandon had the same thoughts. "First time I saw her, I almost knew right
then. I got a weird feeling and was nervous," he said.

Soon after that first meeting the two decided to come to Iowa State (at
the time, Abby was studying in South Dakota and Brandon in Illinois) to
continue their studies, and hobbies, together. Abby will receive her degree
in veterinary medicine in May while Brandon continues to make progress
toward his marketing degree while working full time and racing when he
can.

Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horse pulls the
driver on a two-wheeled sulky.

For Brandon, racing has been a way of life. He is a third-generation
driver. Harness racing permeates the family. Just last summer, Brandon, his
grandfather, father, uncle and cousin all won races on the same day.

For Abby, horses also are a family tradition. Her father showed her how
to ride at age 2, and by 10, she was "driving" horses on her own. She has
been competing for five years now. She just finished a term as president of
the Iowa State student chapter of the American Association of Equine
Practitioners.

While the Simpsons, who were married in 2004, appear cozy and comfortable
in their Ankeny townhome, it's different on the track where the two have
raced against each other many times. Abby won at least the first six
meetings before Brandon could beat her. The real number is a family
secret.

But there are never any hard feelings after a race, no matter who
wins.

"Out on the track," says Brandon, "it's all business."

They, like most their age, are deciding on their future. Abby wants to
start her career. Brandon likes managing the Fireside Grill in Altoona. Abby
likes to be near family. Brandon wants to race, and that means
traveling.

No matter what they decide, you can bet horses will be in their future.
After all, horses brought them together.